The 2024 Alexandra Challenge Cup was held from 10-11 February at the Molyneux Aquatic Centre in Alexandra, attracting more than 120 athletes from across the South Island to Otago's first short course competition of 2024. It was a fantastic two days of racing, with many swimmers trying out new events or racing at a competition for the first time, and achieving qualifying times for upcoming championship meets. 

Two Otago Records were broken over the course of the weekend. Congratulations to Hana Carnie (Wanaka) on breaking the Female 12 Years 50m and 200m Backstroke records. Carnie continued her fine form from last year, delivering impressive times across the two distances. In the 50m event, Hana took a couple tenths off the previous record with a time of 32.22, the previous mark was her own - set at Makos Junior Festival late last year. In the 200m event, Hana set a new best of 2:25.94, slashing a quarter of a second off the previous record which was set Erika Fairweather in 2016. Great work, Hana!

The Alexandra Challenge Cup offers a Skins event, where the top 6 from each age group compete over elimination 50m races until there is only one swimmer remaining. Congratulations to the following Skins winners...

• Male 9 Years & Under: William Tong (Phoenix)
• Female 9 Years & Under: Faith Winter (Alexandra)
• Male 10-11 Years: Isaac Woodward (Alexandra)
• Female 10-11 Years: Sophia Kivileva (Neptune)
• Male 12-13 Years: Rian Gerling (Cromwell)
• Female 12-13 Years: Hana Carnie (Wanaka)
• Male 14-15 Years: Neo Salomonsson (Kiwi)
• Female 14-15 Years: Heidi Winter (Alexandra)
• Male 16 Years & Over: Liam Rees (Alexandra)
• Female 16 Years & Over: Sophie Winter (Alexandra)

Click here to view the full results from this competition

It was great to work alongside Alexandra Swimming Club in organising and delivering this competition. Swimming Otago would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who contributed to making this event possible. From the hardworking committee who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to our amazing group of technical officials, and all the volunteers who served as timekeepers or in other capacities, plus the generous sponsors who made the meet possible. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions - meets like this are not possible without your help!

Congratulations to all who took part in this competition. We hope you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you poolside again soon!

Looking for your next racing opportunity? Don't miss out on the Balclutha Interclub Meet on Sunday 25 February! Entries close on Thursday 15 February at 11:59PM. Get your entries in now!

Interested in becoming a Technical Official? We will be happy to provide more information and assist you in getting started on your journey; contact us at admin@swimotago.org

Article added: Wednesday 14 February 2024